BEIRUT (Lebanon) – The biggest prize in international basketball, the Naismith Trophy, has made the rounds in Lebanon on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour presented by J9.

First to welcome the trophy was the LBCI news studio, where it made an appearance on the Nightly News.

The Naismith Trophy at the LBCI news studio making an appearance on the Nightly News

It then arrived at several other well known spots in the country. At Zahle Main Park, 100 fans were on hand to inspect the trophy display that was set up along with photos.

Both schools and the general public were invited to the event, and there were interviews with local dignitaries. Among the special guests were Dani Barhoum, a former player and from the municipality, Antoine El Achkar, and minister Salim Aoun.

The Naismith Trophy took center stage at Khan al-Franj , with many fans turning up to catch a good look

A site that caused one of the biggest stirs was the ABC shopping mall in Dbaye. Not only was the Trophy on display in one of Lebanon’s busiest malls but Jad Khalil, a current national team player,  and former Cedar Yasser el Hajj, were present.

The Trophy, Jad Khalil and Jad El Hajj caused a real buzz at ABC shopping mall in Dbaye

The Trophy also made an appearance in the historic , Khan el Franj Caravanserai, where Bahia El Hariri, the sister of the former Prime Minister, was a special guest. Two hundred fans seized the opportunity to see the Trophy display.

Fans posed with the Trophy at the 16^th  Century Trading Inn, Khan el Franj Caravanserai

The City Center Mall, one of Lebanon’s busiest malls, was also a stop for the Tour. Current national team players showed up to look at the spectacular Trophy they’ll try to win later this year and then gave interviews. Former national team players were present, too, as well as 100 fans.

Lebanon coach Jad El Hajj, some of his players and fans inspected the trophy at the City Center Mall 

Young fans look at the Naismith Trophy in wide-eyed amazement in Lebanon

FIBA